Storage device for tools

ABSTRACT

A storage device for storing tools and tool related items. The storage device has a rectangular or cylindrical shaped main portion. Removable doors allow access to the interior of the main portion from the front or back. Movable vertical segments are mounted on rails within the main portion and slide partially out of the main portion at either the front or back of the device. The vertical segments can be mounted on a device for rotational movement within the main portion. Tools, tool related items and miscellany are stored on the vertical segments by magnetic attraction or by mechanical holders. Horizontal segments can be included in the storage device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention pertains to storage devices for tools, commonly known as “tool boxes”. In particular, the invention pertains to a storage device for tools that allows the contents to be readily accessed.

[0002] Typically, a tool box for a commercial enterprise uses a base tool box with an upper tool box placed thereon, while a tool box for home use may be configured as just the upper tool box. The base tool box may have casters for movement of the entire unit to a work location. Moving the tool box is an awkward endeavor due to the weight of the unit and the lack of steering on the unit.

[0003] Moreover, both the base tool box and the upper tool box have drawers that are pulled out horizontally from the unit for storage of tools and miscellany therein. The upper tool box may have a swing up lid that provides access to horizontal storage space.

[0004] The disadvantage to the above-described types of tool boxes is that tools and miscellaneous items become jumbled, and scattered and may become unordered if stored in a traditional drawer type unit. The tool box user may not know precisely where certain tools are because of this undesirable jumbling effect. Furthermore, as these types of tool boxes use drawers, horizontal surfaces are provided that are surrounded by uprising sides, dirt, and other undesirable items can gather and remain on the surface. Most tool boxes are not cleaned on a regular frequency by removing all the tools and the miscellaneous components therefrom and wiping the horizontal surfaces.

[0005] Another disadvantage to the traditional tool box is that a disabled person has difficulty reaching into a drawer that may be above the eye level of a person sitting in a wheel chair. A person using a walker, crutches or a cane may also experience difficulty with the horizontal drawer design of traditional tool boxes. A blind person may have difficulty because the person would have to feel for items in the drawer.

[0006] Yet another disadvantage to the traditional style of tool box is that if many of the drawers are open the tool box can become unbalanced and may tip over. As most tool boxes are filled with heavy tools this is a quite real and dangerous possibility.

[0007] Thus is there a need for a tool box that can be easily and safely used by abled and disabled persons. There is also a need for a tool box that facilitates storage and identification of various tools. A need also exists for a tool box that facilitates maintaining the tool box in an orderly and neat condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a storage device for storing tools that can be readily accessed for storage and removal of tools.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a storage device for storing tools that allows disabled and abled person to easily and safely use the storage device.

[0010] It is also an object of the invention to provide a storage device that lends itself to low maintenance as to organization of the tools stored therein and to convenient maintenance to keep the storage device clean.

[0011] The invention comprises a storage device for storing tools, tool related items and miscellany. The storage device of the invention has a housing with a flat top surface for a work surface or for the placement of a traditional tool box, or even for placement of a computer.

[0012] The housing can take many shapes, particularly a rectangular shape or cylindrical shape. The housing forms an inner compartment having a ceiling, a floor, a front, a back, sides and doors to access the inner compartment.

[0013] Doors can be provided on opposite sides of the housing to allow access from both the front and the back of the housing. The doors can be removable to allow full unimpeded access to the inner compartment of the device. The doors can be removable by providing hinges by which the doors can be lifted off the hinges.

[0014] Brackets are affixed to the ceiling and the floor of the inner compartments. The brackets have slots provided therein. The sides of the inner compartment also have slots provided therein.

[0015] Vertical segments are contained within the inner compartment. The vertical segments are extendible to present vertical surfaces for the storage of tools. The vertical segments can be extendible from either the front of the housing or from the back of the housing. The vertical surfaces are magnetized or employ other means for holding tools, tool related items and miscellany. Other means for holding can be perforations in the vertical segment, socket holders, etc.

[0016] As the lower edge of the vertical segments are closer to the floor, the potential for tipping when the vertical segment is extended becomes much reduced. The vertical segment extends out from the housing thereby allowing unimpeded access to both sides of the vertical segment. Consequently, the tools, tool related items and miscellany held on the vertical segment are readily accessible. Moreover, because the segments are vertical, dirt and debris does not remain in corners as in a drawer.

[0017] Each vertical segment has a C-shaped slot, a U-shaped slot and a tab adjacent the upper edge and also adjacent the lower edge of the vertical segment. Rail assemblies (also known as slides) are attached to the vertical segment. Then the vertical segment with rail assemblies is attached to receiving slots in the brackets or the interior sides to position the vertical segment at the desired location in the housing.

[0018] The rail assemblies are used to both attach as well and slide the vertical segments. Each rail assembly has at least three telescoping rail arms that nest together and slide to form an extended or elongated rail. The inner rail arm and the outer rail arm have a C-shaped slot, a U-shaped slot and a square shaped slot disposed through the rail. “Accuslide” is the name of one type of rail assembly that can be advantageously used herein.

[0019] A vertical segment is engaged with a rail assembly near the upper edge and near the lower edge. Thereafter, the slots on the rail assemblies are engaged with receiving slots in brackets mounted on the ceiling and floor of the inside of the inner compartment. Partial panels can be mounted to slides that engage with the side slots.

[0020] Socket holders and other types of holding devices can be attached directly to the rail assemblies as well as to the vertical segments.

[0021] To ready a vertical segment for placement within the inner compartment, a rail is engaged with the vertical segment by first moving the inner rail arm in a generally horizontal motion to engage with a C-shaped receiver adjacent either the upper or lower edge of the vertical segment. Then the rail assembly is lowered so that the a U-shaped slot on the inner rail arm connects with a U-shaped receiver on the vertical segment. This also engages a square shaped slot of the rail arm with the tab of the vertical segment to lock the rail assembly to the vertical segment. Then another rail assembly is engaged with the other adjacent edge of the vertical segment in a similar manner.

[0022] The tab of the vertical segment that engages the square shaped slot on the inner rail arm locks the vertical segment to the rail assembly. The tab of the vertical segment operates as a quick release and must be unlocked via a tool such as a screwdriver before the rail assembly and the vertical segment can be disengaged.

[0023] After a rail assembly has been engaged near both the upper and lower edges of the vertical segment, the vertical segment is then emplaced to the inner compartment. This is accomplished for a full vertical segment by positioning the C-shaped slot on the outer rail arm to the bracket followed by positioning the U-shaped slot on the outer rail arm to the bracket.

[0024] Alternately, to position a partial vertical segment, the C-shaped slot on the outer rail arm is placed to a slot on the side of the inner compartment followed by positioning the U-shaped slot on the outer rail arm to the slot on the side of the inner compartment.

[0025] The vertical segments are movable using the slidable rail assemblies and extendible from the front of the housing or from the rear of the housing.

[0026] Additionally, the rail assemblies can be affixed to a rotatable portion for radially moving the vertical segments. A handle and wheels can be mounted to the housing to facilitate placement of the device to a work location.

[0027] Although vertical segments are herein described, drawers can also be included with the storage device. Boxes can be added to the inner compartment, should the user of the device specify the need for some traditional storage in addition to the vertical storage.

[0028] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description when read with in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the several views, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view according to the invention of the preferred embodiment having a vertical segment;

[0030]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rail for the vertical segment;

[0031]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view according to the invention having the rails for the vertical segments mounted to a rotatable portion; and

[0032]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the invention showing multiple vertical segments; and

[0033]FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a rail between a bracket and the vertical segment; and

[0034]FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a single panel extending from the front and shown in phantom as extended to the rear of the device; and

[0035]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting holes for a rail on the inside of the device and showing a bracket positioned from the inside ceiling of the device; and

[0036]FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of vertical segment and a rail for the vertical segment with arrows indicating the positioning of the vertical segment to the rail; and

[0037]FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the device having boxes in a portion of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0038] In FIGS. 1 through 9 an apparatus generally denoted as 10 is thereshown. The apparatus 10 is a device 12 for storing tools and miscellany 14 (shown in phantom) usually referred to as a tool box 16. The device 12 comprises a housing 18 generally having a top 20, sides 22, 22′, a back 24, a front 26 and a bottom 28, which create an inner compartment 30 therebetween.

[0039] The top 20 can be a flat surface for a work surface or for the placement of another tool box, computer or other equipment (not shown) thereon. A handle 32 and means for moving 34 the device to a different location such as casters 36, wheels 38, etc., are attached to the housing 18. An auxiliary storage unit 39 (shown in phantom) can be affixed to the device 12 in such locations as a side 22′ of the device 12 or on top 20 of the device 12 (not shown). Horizontal segments or drawers 41, 41′ (shown in phantom) can also be included with the storage device 12.

[0040] As is shown in FIG. 1, the front 26 has an opening 40 therethrough that is covered by a door 42. The door 42 when open allows access to the inner compartment 30. Vertical segments 44, 44′ are emplaced within the inner compartment 30.

[0041] The vertical segments 44, 44′ employ means for holding 46 to maintain the tools thereon. The vertical segments 44, 44′ can be magnetized to retain metal tools thereon. For non-metallic tools, magnets can be attached to the tool in order to provide the magnetic attraction. Other means for holding 46, (not shown) such as a hook and eye or hook and loop fasteners, known as Velcro can be attached between the vertical segments 44, 44′ and the tools to achieve the holding of the tools to the vertical segment 44.

[0042] A rail 48 is better shown in FIG. 2 to which the vertical segment 44 is slidably engaged. A rail 48 can be employed at both the top and bottom of the vertical segment 44, if desired. The rail 48 contains anti-friction means 50 such as ball bearings or roller bearings to allow the vertical segment 44 to easily be slid for extension and retraction. Means for locking 52 such a pin 54 or a cam (not shown) lock the rail 48 in the extended or retracted position are provided. Thus, the vertical segment 44 is easily positioned in the desired position and then maintained in the desired position.

[0043] Now turning to FIG. 3, thereshown is device 12′ having a housing 18′ with a generally cylindrical shape 19 and a flat top 20. Door 42′ is provided for accessing the inner compartment 30. Herein , the rail 48 for the vertical segment 44 is mounted to a rotatable device 56. Thusly, can a vertical segment 44 (shown in phantom) be rotated into alignment with the door 42′ and then the vertical segment 44 can be slidably extended for access by the user.

[0044] Turning to FIG. 4, the housing 18 can take many shapes, hereshown as a generally rectangular shape 58. The housing 18 forms an inner compartment 30 having a ceiling 60, a floor 62, a front 64, a back 66, sides 68, 68′ and doors 42, 42′ for access to the inner compartment 30.

[0045] In FIG. 5, rail assembly 48 is shown as having at least three telescoping rail arms 70 that nest together and slide to forma an extended arm. Inner rail arm 72 has a C-shaped slot 74, a U-shaped slot 76 and a square shaped slot 78 disposed therethrough (FIG. 8). Outer rail arm 80 has a C-shaped slot 74 and a U-shaped slot 76 disposed therethrough (FIG. 7).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, doors 42, 42′ can be provided on opposite sides of the housing to allow access from both the front 64 and the back 66 of the housing 18. Doors 42, 42′ can be removable to allow full unimpeded access to the inner compartment 30 of the device 12. Doors 42, 42′ can be removable by providing hinges 82 designed to allow the doors to be lifted off the hinges 82.

[0047] Brackets 84 are affixed to the ceiling 60 and the floor 62 of the inner compartment 30. Brackets 84 have receiving slots 86 provided therein (FIG. 7). Sides 68, 68′ of the inner compartment 30 also have slots 86 provided therein (FIG. 7).

[0048] Vertical segments 44, 44′, etc, are contained within the inner compartment 30 and are extendible to present vertical surfaces 88 for the storage of tools 90, etc. Vertical segments 44, 44′ can be extendible from either the front 64 of the housing or from the back 66 of the housing 18 (FIG. 6).

[0049] Vertical surfaces 88 of the vertical segments 44, 44′ can be magnetized or employ other means for holding tools, tool related items and miscellany. Other means for holding can be perforations 92 (FIG. 6) in the vertical segment 44, socket holders 94 (FIG. 7), etc. Socket holders 94 and other types of holding devices can be attached directly to the rail assemblies 48 as well as to the vertical segments 44 (FIG. 7).

[0050] Turning to FIG. 8, vertical segment 44 has a C-shaped slot 74, a U-shaped slot 78 and a tab 96 adjacent the upper edge 98 and adjacent the lower edge 100 of the vertical segment 44.

[0051] Partial panels 102 can be mounted to slides that engage with the side slots 86 (FIGS. 4 & 9). Slidable boxes 102 can be added to the inner compartment 30(FIG. 9).

[0052] Having described my invention, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A device for storing tools and tool related items, the device comprising: a main portion having a top, a bottom, a front, a back and sides, the main portion forming at least one inner compartment having a ceiling, a floor and inner sides; means for accessing said at least one inner compartment; means for mounting attached to the at least one inner compartment; means for sliding attached to the means for mounting; at least one vertical movable segment mounted to the means for sliding; and means for holding tools and tool related items on the at least one vertical movable segment, wherein said at least one vertical movable segment is movable between a storage position within the inner compartment and a use position, partly extending outside the inner compartment of the device.
 2. The device according claim 1 wherein the means for mounting comprises brackets affixed to the ceiling and the floor of the inner compartment.
 3. The device according claim 1 wherein the means for mounting comprises slots on the inner sides.
 4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for accessing said at least one inner compartment comprises a door.
 5. The device according to claim 2 wherein said means for sliding comprises at least one rail.
 6. The device according to claim 5 wherein the means for sliding being removable from the means for mounting.
 7. The device according to claim 5 wherein the means for sliding being removable from the at least one vertical segment.
 8. The device according to claim 5 further comprising means for locking said means for sliding in a desired position.
 9. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for moving the at least one vertical movable segment further comprises a rotating device.
 10. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a handle on said main portion.
 11. The device according to claim 1 further comprises an auxiliary storage unit attached to the main portion.
 12. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for holding comprises magnetization.
 13. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for holding comprises a mechanical holder.
 14. The device according to claim 1 further comprising means for moving the device.
 15. The device according to claim 10 wherein the means for moving the device comprises casters.
 16. The device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one slidable box.
 17. The device according to claim 4 wherein the door being a removable door.
 18. The device according to claim 1 wherein the vertical segments being removable.
 19. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for accessing said at least one inner compartment being doors at the front and doors at the back of the device.
 20. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for holding tools and tool related items are attached to means for sliding. 